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Hoda Kotb had some things to say about an old employer who made some unsavory comments about her physique.
The 60-year-old, along with co-host Jenna Bush Hager, were discussing recent claims that Timothée Chalamet allegedly missed out on a number of roles for not having the "right body" on Today with Hoda and Jenna.
In the episode that aired on Monday, December 2, Kotb admitted that she could relate to the Wonka star, recalling, "I still remember I had just started working at a small market, and I played basketball in high school, so I always assumed I was in shape, even though literally after college and stuff, I wasn't." She continued, detailing an exchange with her boss: "I still remember my boss going to me, 'Hey, Hoda,' and I was like, 'Yeah?' He goes, 'Hey, I got an idea –– maybe you might wanna try to get on the treadmill.'"
"No!" her co-host responded, appearing shocked.
Kotb replied, "Yeah, so I was like, 'What are you talking about?'" before adding, "But, if you don't fit, they want you to wear something a certain way, cut your hair a certain way, speak a certain way."
Bush Hager then revealed that producers of the Today show had originally asked her to catch herself before saying "y'all" on camera. She later admitted that she continued to say it because she felt like she couldn't "pretend" to be a "serious news person."
Kotb reflected and said, "I think you know when you're pretending deep down, and no matter what it is, you start losing who you are."
Earlier this year, the TV personality announced that after 17 years on the job, she would be stepping down as host of the morning show in early 2025. Though nothing is set in stone yet, she told People that she wants to venture into the wellness industry. "I want to create an app, something that helps and is affordable and accessible," she said to the outlet last month.
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